Mexican Cooking & Gentle Somatics Retreat

About the Retreat

Learn Traditional Mexican Home Cooking and Gastronomy with local Cooking Teacher Marina Buendía at La Cocina de Marina, her outdoor teaching kitchen surrounded by jungle views and exotic gardens. Vegan options offered (let us know ahead of time).
Enjoy twice daily Gentle Somatics Yoga + Qi Gong led by Certified Instructor Elise Constantine in one of Mar de Jade’s air-conditioned oceanview studios — or outside under the shade of a vine-covered pergola.
All-inclusive stay at award-winning Mar de Jade Resort and Retreat Center includes 3 buffet farm-to-table meals daily (with many vegan and gluten-free options), all-day coffee/ teas/filtered water, amenities including pool, hot tubs, beach loungers, etc. Gratuities, airport shuttle, drinks at the bar air, optional excursions/activities, and air travel are NOT included.
Rest & Relax with a stroll on the beach, a siesta in a hammock, a dip in the pool, a tropical cocktail (or mocktail) at Mar de Jade’s La Palapa Bar, a healing spa treatment or massage. . . ahhhh
Optional excursions and activities to be determined (extra cost)… Might include a guided trip to Mar de Jade’s permaculture farm, local artist’s studios/artisan market, coastline boat trip, birdwatching, etc. 

Schedule

Sample Daily Schedule:
8:00 – 9:00 – Gentle Somatics Class with Elise
9:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast Buffet at Mar de Jade
10 – 1 – Cooking Class with Marina at La Cocina de Marina or Food-Related Excursion, e.g. Farm Tour
2:00 – 3:00 – Lunch Buffet at Mar de Jade
3 – 5 pm – SIESTA time (enjoy the beach, pool or a nap)
5 – 6 – Gentle Somatics Class with Elise
6:30 – 8 – Dinner buffet at Mar de Jade
8 pm – bedtime – Chat & Relax, play games, artistic activity, have a cocktail or mocktail, surprise activities. Then sleep deeply to the serenade of tree frogs and the ever-present waves. 

Payment & Cancellation Policy

Instructor Fee = $500 USD
To be paid directly to the instructors at the time of registration. Full registration details (including cancellation policy) at www.eliseconstantine.com
Discount for holders of a Mexican Passport = $450 USD

Lodging and Food: The accommodation cost is separate from the Instructor Fee; you will book your room directly with Mar de Jade receptionists. Room fees vary depending on the type of room you choose, i.e. oceanview vs garden view.  Your stay at the award-winning Mar de Jade Resort and Retreat Center includes 3 buffet farm-to-table meals daily (with many vegan and gluten-free options), all-day coffee/ teas/filtered water, amenities including pool, hot tubs, beach loungers, etc.
NOTE: Air travel, gratuities, airport shuttle, drinks at the bar, optional excursions/activities, spa services are NOT included in the costs mentioned above.

About the Teachers

Marina Buendía

Traditional Mexican Cooking Teacher Marina Buendía
“A native of Mexico City with a Oaxacan Mexican mother and a Spanish (by way of Morocco) father, I have 40+ years experience as a cook and I am especially interested in the anthropologic and cultural origin of food and ingredients such as CORN (tortillas, masa preparation in all of its forms, tamales, tejuino, etc.), CHILE (both dry and fresh, regional names, seed exchange). and SALSAS (endless varieties!), NOPALES, QUELITES, LOCAL HERBS & SPICES.
My professional background as a teacher has given me the tools. As a young mom, my children were my first students (and teachers). Then, I taught friends, neighbors, acquaintances and now everyone who might be interested in sharing my passion.” 

Elise Constantine

Certified Yoga & Qi Gong Instructor Elise Constantine: “I have been collaborating with Mar de Jade since 2014 as a spa therapist and somatics teacher (Yoga and Qi Gong). With 20+ years of experience as a New York State licensed massage therapist, National Yoga Alliance Certified Instructor, and Certified Qi Gong Instructor, I have taught students of all levels and backgrounds in a variety of settings including international retreat centers, Manhattan yoga studios, outpatient hospital clinics, prenatal and postpartum mothers, athletes and outdoors at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. In each session, I hope to guide students to find ease in their bodies, minds and spirits with safe, fun, gentle practices. My greatest teacher and guide is Mother Nature as reflected in the movement of creatures big and small, the relationship between the elements, and the constant ebb and flow of both inner and outer energy. On a personal note, I have been exploring México and working on my Spanish fluency for the past decade. My teachings are infused with Spanish language, poetry and lyricism in a way that is accessible to all. In my experience, the tropical splendor of Chacala, Nayarit combined with Mar de Jade’s serene setting makes this the perfect retreat venue. When not in México, I can be found in New York City and the Omega Institute in upstate New York.”
Marina and Elise have been friends for a decade. When not cooking or practicing yoga/qi gong together, we enjoy sunrise swims in Chacala Bay, chatting over cafecito and hiking up the local volcano! We are both bilingual English-Spanish. Retreat sessions will be primarily in English, but infused with Spanish language throughout to deepen the cultural experience.